Tennessee Online Casinos — Your Guide for 2024
Real-money online casinos are currently not legal in Tennessee. However, there are exciting legal alternatives like sweepstakes platforms, and the Volunteer State has already made strides with mobile-only sports betting. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Tennessee’s overall gambling options. Let’s get started!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover your legal online option in Tennessee for casino games.
- Understand the complete situation of the Tennessee online gambling scene.
Play Casino Games in Tennessee with Sweepstakes Online Sites
Although residents can’t find a real money online casino in Tennessee, they can still play in US sweepstakes casinos, which is their only option.
Here are our top 3 sweepstakes online casinos TN for 2024:
Overview of Tennessee Gambling Options
While traditional casino gaming is off the table, Tennessee players can explore these legal options to stay entertained and in line with state laws. For more on where to legally enjoy gambling in the US, check our linked guide.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s allowed in the Volunteer State:
| Gambling Type | Legal? | Details | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Casinos | No | Real-money online casinos, including poker, slots, and roulette, are prohibited by state law. | — |
| Sports Betting | Yes | Fully online and regulated by the SWAC, featuring platforms like BetMGM and DraftKings. | 21 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | Legal through platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings, offering various contests. | 18 |
| Horse Racing Bets | Yes | Betting allowed via platforms like TwinSpires and TVG, but no live racing tracks in the state. | 18 |
| Lottery and Charitable Games | Yes | Run by the Tennessee Education Lottery and charitable organizations, offering various games. | 18 |
Declare Taxable Winnings in Tennessee
If you win through any legal gambling activity in Tennessee, you’re required to report your winnings for tax purposes.
For winnings that reach a certain threshold, the operator will provide you with a W-2G tax form. You’ll use this to report your earnings when filing your taxes.
Simply include the amount under the “Other Income” section on your Form 1040, Individual Income Tax Return.
History of Gambling in Tennessee
Gambling in Tennessee has a long history, evolving from Cherokee games to today’s online sports betting. Here’s a quick timeline:
- Pre-16th Century: Cherokee Indians played games like stick ball.
- 1770s: European card games, cockfighting, and lottery games gain popularity.
- 1834: Lotteries are banned.
- 1984: The state lottery begins.
- 2016: Daily fantasy sports are legalized.
- 2019: Online sports betting is approved.
What’s Next for Tennessee Online Casinos?
The future of online casinos in Tennessee remains uncertain. The last significant push for expanded gambling came in 2019, when Memphis lawmaker Larry Miller proposed a constitutional amendment to allow land-based casinos. Backed by the Cherokee Indians, the effort aimed to boost economic development but failed to gain traction.
Since then, no major steps have been taken, and it’s unlikely online casinos will be legalized before land-based gambling. Changing Tennessee’s Constitution is a lengthy process, making swift changes improbable.
For now, stick to sweepstakes casinos or try your luck in neighboring states with more flexible gambling laws.
References
- Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return — Retrieved on November 30, 2024
- Tennessee Tax Rates, Collections, and Burdens — Retrieved on November 30, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
No, real-money online casinos are not legal in Tennessee. Instead, you can play at social and sweepstakes casinos.
You must be 18 for the lottery and charitable games and 21 for sports betting or daily fantasy sports.
Yes, gambling winnings must be reported on federal tax returns, but Tennessee doesn’t impose a state tax.